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Karim Benzema has revealed the influence of Ronaldo Nazario on his career.
The French forward has carved his own path at Real Madrid in recent years, but admitted that none of that would have happened without the former Brazilian leader.
“Ronaldo was my idol from a very young age,” Benzema told Movistar’s Universo Valdano program.
“I started watching football for him.
“I watched his movement and tried to copy what he did.
“But there was no one like him, I admired him a lot.
“Some players had their speed, but not ball control and skill at the same time.
“People think he only scored goals, but he could do it all.
“The forwards need to know how to do many things, not just score goals, and he was the perfect example.
“I learned a lot from him and [current Real Madrid coach] Zinedine Zidane. “
Benzema went on to reveal the adjustment period he had to go through when he first joined Los Blancos from Lyon in 2009.
“He was very happy to sign, but he was not mentally prepared for everything that came with him,” he explained.
“The team, the people, the pressure … when I was at Lyon, the president protected me from all that [Jean-Michel Aulas].
“It is a club that has won many European titles and that has always had star players.
“It was very difficult, especially since he was alone and didn’t speak Spanish.
“That first year was very difficult, as how you feel off the field is transmitted to your performances on it.
“I was very young and did not know how the club works.
“I thought about going there and playing.
“In the end I felt lost.”
Benzema began to contemplate a future elsewhere, but a visit from Florentino Pérez changed everything.
“He came to my house,” Benzema said.
“I never thought I would do that.
“When I saw him there, I forgot about the other clubs.
“I told him I had my word.”
Benzema’s selfless relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo was a key part of Los Blancos’ successful era, winning three consecutive Champions League trophies between 2016 and 2018.
And Benzema revealed the sacrifices he had to make.
“He [Cristiano] I was there to score goals, and I had to change the way I played for him, and put aside my own desire to score, “he said.
The Frenchman is now as a ‘third captain’ at Real Madrid, playing with Zinedine Zidane.
“He [Zidane] He helped me a lot on and off the pitch, since he was a coach and also when he was Carlo Ancelotti’s assistant, ”Benzema said.
“He keeps us calm, and he doesn’t yell when we score or when we concede.”
Finally, Benzema gave his opinion on his continued non-selection by the French team.
“I think any player wants to play for his country,” he said.
“I’ve never had an explanation; I think everything is done higher.
“The good thing is that I can focus on my club football.
“Seeing France win the World Cup didn’t hurt me.
“It’s more the lack of dialogue with the staff there, despite my questions.
“But my life is Madrid now.”
Source: m.allfootballapp.com
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